Indiana University Athletics
Aaron Harrell Fulfilling A Dream
4/11/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - A four-year letterwinner at Bedford North Lawrence and an all-state selection in 2002, Aaron Harrell had inspirations of playing collegiate golf. After suffering a broken foot as a freshman and serving as a manager last season, Harrell fulfilled his dream, walking on to the Indiana men's golf team this season.
"Playing at IU is a dream come true," said Harrell. "Growing up so close to the university, I've always loved Indiana since I was a little kid. It's a great opportunity, and I'm going to try and make the best of it."
Harrell became the first walk-on in head coach Mike Mayer's seven-year tenure and Mayer could not be happier to have Harrell on the team, knowing the effort and hard work he puts into his game to get the opportunity to represent his university.
"Aaron Harrell is a Hoosier through and through. He embodies what a Hoosier is all about -- discipline, effort, determination and perseverance. This is the third year Aaron has attempted to walk on this team and it is great to see him rewarded for all his efforts."
One of the biggest surprises of the spring season, Harrell has been one of the top golfers on the team. His play has given the Cream and Crimson an extra boost as it attempts to head to the NCAA tournament for the second straight season.
"Aaron is playing extremely well this spring and is one of our top five players at this point in the season," said Mayer. "He got his first opportunity to play collegiate golf this spring in Arizona and played very well for his first time out. "
In Arizona, Harrell qualified for the Pioneer Classic (March 15-16) and proved he belonged in the line up. He placed in a tie for 40th, shooting 220 (73-75-72) to help the Hoosiers place third in the 15-team field while enjoying every second on the course.
"It was awesome," said Harrell. "Just to be able to go out there and play with the team was unreal. I have learned so much from everyone. The tournament was just a great experience for me."
He will have an opportunity to show what he has learned as he joins the team at the Boilermaker Invitational this weekend, Saturday-Sunday, April 16-17, in West Lafayette, Ind.
"Aaron will be on the squad at the Boilermaker Invitational," said Mayer. "Aaron is a strong individual and is extremely tough minded -- I think it is going to be extremely difficult to keep him out of the line up the rest of the spring. I have a very good feeling about this young man."
Whether he is in the line up or not, Harrell just wants to see the team do well as he soaks in the chance to play collegiate golf at the school he loves.
"My goals are to hopefully play in some of the tournaments the rest of the way and to close out the year strong. I hope the team goes out and wins. If I'm playing or not, I just want to see the team succeed."
"Playing at IU is a dream come true," said Harrell. "Growing up so close to the university, I've always loved Indiana since I was a little kid. It's a great opportunity, and I'm going to try and make the best of it."
Harrell became the first walk-on in head coach Mike Mayer's seven-year tenure and Mayer could not be happier to have Harrell on the team, knowing the effort and hard work he puts into his game to get the opportunity to represent his university.
"Aaron Harrell is a Hoosier through and through. He embodies what a Hoosier is all about -- discipline, effort, determination and perseverance. This is the third year Aaron has attempted to walk on this team and it is great to see him rewarded for all his efforts."
One of the biggest surprises of the spring season, Harrell has been one of the top golfers on the team. His play has given the Cream and Crimson an extra boost as it attempts to head to the NCAA tournament for the second straight season.
"Aaron is playing extremely well this spring and is one of our top five players at this point in the season," said Mayer. "He got his first opportunity to play collegiate golf this spring in Arizona and played very well for his first time out. "
In Arizona, Harrell qualified for the Pioneer Classic (March 15-16) and proved he belonged in the line up. He placed in a tie for 40th, shooting 220 (73-75-72) to help the Hoosiers place third in the 15-team field while enjoying every second on the course.
"It was awesome," said Harrell. "Just to be able to go out there and play with the team was unreal. I have learned so much from everyone. The tournament was just a great experience for me."
He will have an opportunity to show what he has learned as he joins the team at the Boilermaker Invitational this weekend, Saturday-Sunday, April 16-17, in West Lafayette, Ind.
"Aaron will be on the squad at the Boilermaker Invitational," said Mayer. "Aaron is a strong individual and is extremely tough minded -- I think it is going to be extremely difficult to keep him out of the line up the rest of the spring. I have a very good feeling about this young man."
Whether he is in the line up or not, Harrell just wants to see the team do well as he soaks in the chance to play collegiate golf at the school he loves.
"My goals are to hopefully play in some of the tournaments the rest of the way and to close out the year strong. I hope the team goes out and wins. If I'm playing or not, I just want to see the team succeed."
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Golf
/ Men's Golf
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